"I'll be happy with either": Denny Hamlin wouldn't mind Tyler Reddick taking away his NASCAR dream

Denny Hamlin will embark on yet another quest in this year's playoffs to win the elusive NASCAR Cup title this year. However, apart from the usual rivals Hamlin has faced over the last few years, this year, Tyler Reddick is quickly gathering steam as a championship contender.

With two wins to his name this year along with being crowned the NASCAR regular season champion, the 23XI Racing driver is heading into the playoffs with high momentum.

Speaking via "SiriusXM NASCAR Radio", Denny Hamlin was asked whether he views Reddick as one of his biggest competitors owing to the #45 driver's recent form and the possibility of him battling out with a driver he employs.

"No doubt about it. I mean truthfully if I'm being honest, I've got two chances to win the championships this year. And I'll be happy with either, I really would. It's like watching your kids do something. I had a hand in everything with that #45 car, from sponsorships, to marketing, to the competition, to the simulation, everything. I had a hand in everything. So I take a lot of pride in that. Certainly I think they will be a contender. I think the playoff tracks set up very well for Tyler, certainly I think he's a guy we'll probably have to battle," Hamlin said.

As the reporter mentioned Reddick's regular season championship title, Denny Hamlin said he's "really happy" for his team.

"To have a 5 year goal that I set forward as a championship contender, I think we could argue that we've accomplished that," he added.

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Denny Hamlin has as good a chance as anyone at winning the NASCAR Cup title

With three wins already to his name, Denny Hamlin recently claimed that he views himself as a sure-shot championship contender. It's worth adding that along with three wins, Hamlin also has six finishes inside the top 5.

The 43-year-old driver felt that Tyler Reddick, Christopher Bell, and Kyle Larson technically have a better chance due to the playoff points they have. However, Hamlin also said the #11 team is one of the few cars in the garage that can contend for a win on any given week. He said (via "Forbes"):

“I feel like our chances are as good as anyone,” Hamlin said.

The veteran NASCAR driver further mentioned that given the struggles he's had this year, it would be one of the biggest accomplishments of his career should he find his way to Phoenix.

With that said it'll be interesting to see how Denny Hamlin fares in this year's playoffs.